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Ground Beef Alfredo
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Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe

This Ground Beef Alfredo Recipe offers a rich, creamy, and savory twist on the classic Italian Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines tender ground beef, fettuccine pasta, and a homemade Alfredo sauce bursting with garlic and Parmesan flavors. A family-friendly dish that's easy, comforting, and budget-friendly!
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Keyword Comfort Food, Ground Beef Alfredo, Pasta Dish, Quick Dinner
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 750kcal
Cost $12-$15

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Colander
  • Whisk

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Ground beef Lean or 80/20 preferred
  • 12 ounces Fettuccine pasta Or any pasta of choice
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted butter For sautéing
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced Fresh for best flavor
  • 2 cups Heavy cream Full-fat for creaminess
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Freshly grated recommended
  • 1/2 tsp Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper Freshly ground
  • 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg (optional) Adds warmth to the sauce
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish
  • 1/2 cup Reserved pasta water If sauce needs thinning

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add fettuccine pasta and cook until al dente (about 10 minutes or follow package instructions).
  • Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Cook the Ground Beef:

  • 4. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  • 5. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
  • 6. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:

  • 7. Add the minced garlic to the cooked beef and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • 8. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine.
  • 9. Allow the sauce to heat for 3-4 minutes, but avoid boiling.
  • 10. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and optional nutmeg. Whisk gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.

Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

  • 11. Add the drained fettuccine pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
  • 12. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, use the reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to loosen it.

Garnish and Serve:

  • 13. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for freshness.
  • 14. Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.

Notes

  • Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect sauce texture.
  • Meat Options: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
  • Pasta Choice: While fettuccine is classic, penne, spaghetti, or linguine work equally well.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
  • Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes for a kick.
  • Add Veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or peas can be mixed in for added nutrition.
Substitutions:
  • Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or cashew cream with nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
  • Low-Carb: Try zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash as pasta alternatives.
  • Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Enjoy your delicious Ground Beef Alfredo—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends!